NAIROBI, Kenya – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has spoken for the first time regarding the disappearance of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru, confirming that a search mission is ongoing.
However, six days after Kabiru went missing in Haiti, his family remains frustrated by the lack of clear updates from authorities.
Kabiru was part of a Kenyan police contingent deployed to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission when he and his colleagues were ambushed by an armed gang.
Since then, conflicting reports have emerged about his fate, leaving his family in anguish.
At their home in Thamanda, Kikuyu, Kabiru’s loved ones held a prayer service on Sunday afternoon, seeking divine intervention for his safe return.
Emotions ran high as relatives expressed their frustration over the police’s silence.
“I keep wondering what is happening where he is. Have they remained silent as we have, or is the search continuing?” asked Jecinta Wanjiku, Kabiru’s mother. “My plea is for them to update us on their progress.”
Daniel Kabiru, a relative, echoed her concerns:
“Since Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we have been in communication with the Sub-County Commander. However, we are constantly told to wait. Every time we visit the office, we are informed that a search and rescue mission is underway, but we have not received any tangible updates.”
The uncertainty has taken a heavy toll on the family.
“Our mother is struggling. Sometimes she has no energy, she doesn’t eat, she doesn’t sleep. It is mentally exhausting for us. Why is the government not telling us the truth?” asked Philip Kamau, Kabiru’s brother.
The local community is also feeling the weight of Kabiru’s disappearance.
Peter Kibiru, Chairman of Community Policing, noted that residents are growing increasingly anxious.
“Since news of Kabiru’s disappearance broke, the community has had so many questions. They keep asking for updates, but we have no answers to give them,” he said.
IG Kanja, speaking during Eid celebrations in Eastleigh, reiterated that the search for Kabiru is still active but did not provide details on whether he is alive.
Kanja also praised Kenyan officers for their efforts to stabilize Haiti, where they have been deployed for nine months.
Meanwhile, a statement from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council last week claimed that a security officer died during the ambush when Kabiru went missing.
However, Kenyan authorities have yet to confirm this report, leaving Kabiru’s family clinging to hope that he may still be found alive.
